Report: Navy Eyes Super Hornet Purchase to Address Carrier-Based Strike Fighter Shortfall

The U.S. Navy looks to unload its Boeing-built F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets and buy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft to address a shortage of fighters jets aboard the service branch’s carriers, Reuters reported Saturday.

Andrea Shalal writes a Navy official said the plan could be implemented as part of the fiscal year 2018 budget alongside the procurement of the F-35 carrier variant.

The report said the Navy faces a shortfall of approximately 70 fighter jets over the next few years due to delays in the deployment of the Lockheed Martin-built carrier-based F-35 as well as lengthy maintenance periods for legacy Hornet aircraft.

Shalal reports the potential Super Hornet sale to the Navy could work to extend Boeing’s production line in St. Louis as foreign military orders wait to be finalized.

Canada announced plans to buy 18 Super Hornet aircraft from the U.S. government in November to support the former’s fleet of CF-18 fighter jets.

The State Department also approved Kuwait’s request to procure F/A-18E/F jets and associated components and services through a potential $10.1 billion foreign military sales deal.

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